Summer: slow down!

It is hard to believe that I have been home from Belize for about two weeks now.  Where has the time gone?!  Summer, please don't run away!!


On a more positive note though, I am accomplishing some tasks on my summer list... 


Spend time with Family and Friends | I love catching up with people and just enjoying life together.  Corey's aunt and uncle came and stayed with us for a week - such a blessing!  I got to catch up with one of my friends from high school the other day ~ lunch at McAlister's [yum!] and some shopping for projects [curtains and paints for her, scrapbook stuff for me].  I also got to see a lot of my family recently... My great-great-aunt passed away Tuesday morning... It is sad to see her go, but it is comforting because she is no longer in pain.  And I was able to go with my cousin to see our family.  I'm looking forward to more time with family and friends as we celebrate our country this next week.  


Wedding Scrapbook | The goal has finally been started... well continued.  I started shortly after our wedding collecting some pictures and items I would want included.  This past week I finally started putting the scrapbook together.  It has been fun to think back to the days of just friends, dating, engagement, and the wedding.  Maybe I can finish it this summer!  After all, there are plenty of other pictures and events that need to make their way into a scrapbook soon too.  


Classes Next Year | Yes, it is only June.  Yes, I have started working on school stuff for next year.  Now, don't get too worried, I've only spent about half a day on school stuff so far.  There is much more I want to get done before August though.  It's just hard to focus on school in June.  


Update Pictures |  I am still working on this one.  We still have several pictures/frames that we need to hang.  I want to try to put more pictures of family and friends in some of those frames though.  I don't want just our faces all over the house.  lol 


Read Books |  I haven't read much since my last post.  There's been way too much running around for all of that.  


Clean House |  Our house is half-way decent, at least to me.  No, it's not sparkling clean or perfect or anything.  But, mostly everything has a place.  And for the most part the house has stayed fairly clean day-to-day... bed made, dishes washed and put away, things picked up, etc.  And, I must say, I'm loving it!  I also love that we're accomplishing some of our "bigger" house projects.  There are still many things we want to do, but it is such a blessing to be able to get some things done. 


Summer Sun |  The summer sun got me pretty good yesterday while I was mowing.  So today I have stayed inside or in the shade as much as possible.  However, this evening my goal is to finish the lawn... hopefully the sun will be down or close to it!  My sunburned legs are not very appreciative right now.  My fair skin must lather up in sunscreen!  :) 


Well, I'm going to quit boring you now... and let you enjoy some pictures from Belize. 

our group

glass bottom boat - you could see the fish, sharks, sting rays, etc swimming beneath

Snorkeling - seeing God's beautiful creation

Mayan Ruins - Altun Ha

Embassy Mission Hotel - our residence for the week 

Hanging out at "The Blue Hole"

Spreading gravel at the church to help prevent flooding.

It was such a blessing to serve in Belize - a beautiful country with some amazing people!! 






Hopefully, my next post will be a little more focused and a little less random. 


Until next time, 
Enjoy summer!! 

My Thoughts on Books

Over the past couple of months I have had time to read since I've been traveling here and there.  I have finished two books recently... The Help by Kathryn Stockett and Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson.  So I thought I would share some of my thoughts on these reads.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett
     I began reading this book back in September.  Our school had a reading initiative this past year to encourage our students to read.  Teachers were asked to help out by reading along with the students and having a "book talk" at the end of each month.  I thought it was a great idea; unfortunately I did not succeed very well.  In August, I read a book by John Grisham (The Testament) and shared about it.  In September, I didn't have time to complete a book so I pulled another book that I had read off the shelf and shared it (The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson).  I also decided to start reading The Help in September so that I could share about it in October.  Unfortunately I did not have the time to read.  I was too busy working on teacher stuff (planning, grading, preparing), tutoring, helping lead at church, trying to spend time with family and friends... basically, life!
     Well I have finally finished it.  And it was a good read throughout.  Being from the South, I could relate to the setting and even the story line.  [Growing up in the South, you hear and learn a lot about the Civil Rights Movement and time period.]  It was very easy for me to picture Jackson, MS and the way of life described in that time era.  I know The Help is a fictional novel, but I think it gives a great perspective on how life could have been for some people during that time.  I wasn't really fond of the ending.  It was a good ending - don't get me wrong.  I just wanted to keep reading.  I had become 'absorbed' in the lives of these ladies.  I was curious about the changes that were happening - the new adventures to come.
    I am looking forward to seeing the movie.  I'm sure the book will surpass the movie... they usually do.  It would be impossible to squeeze everything from a book into a two hour movie.  There are perks to reading instead of just watching movies.  And, honestly, that's one of the reasons I decided to read this particular book.  The movie came out with a lot of hype.  I wanted to read the book before seeing the movie.  Now that I've finally finished the book... maybe I can watch the movie this summer too!

Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson
     I found this book on Amazon when I was looking for books to read on my Kindle.  I had never read any of Janice Thompson's work before or heard about this book.  The description caught my attention so I thought I'd give the book a chance.  I'm glad I did.
     This book was a fun read.  It was filled with action, romance, love, challenges, friendship, and "normal every day life".  It was fun to live in Bella's world... to experience living with a colorful (sometimes crazy) family, dealing with an annoying ex-boyfriend, falling in love - unexpectedly, running your own business, trying to prove that you can succeed - primarily to yourself, and much more.  I hope the other books in this series are just as exciting... and that I don't take too long in getting around to reading them.  :)

If I Was Jesus by Matt Chapman, JR Baker
     This book is my current read.  I just started it the other night.  I am anxious to see how it goes and what I can draw from this book.  Especially since I know the contributor to this book, JR Baker.

Well, I hope you've enjoyed these thoughts.  But more importantly, I'd love to hear about what you're reading.  I can add to my list of books to read.  :)

Until next time,
When you find yourself with some downtime... pick up a book!

Catching Up

This week has been a week of catching up.  Life has been busy since the last time I blogged.

First of all, I had the joy of hosting a BeautiControl Spa back at the beginning of the month.  Some great ladies came over and we enjoyed being pampered.  I am so glad I decided to set apart a night for relaxing with some good friends and family.  And, don't worry, the husband enjoyed an afternoon of golfing and goofing off.  :)

The next week was Vacation Bible School at our church.  It was a fun week at Amazing Wonders Aviation!  I had the honor and responsibility of leading the Missions class for the 1st-5th graders alongside my husband.  It is fun and exciting to learn about missions around the world with the kids.  It is even more encouraging when they recognize how they can do missions at home and how they can help others around the world through prayer and sending supplies.  Such a blessing!

The next week (last week) I was out of the country on a mission trip.  We went to Belize!  There were 19 people on the mission team - a lot of different ages - children, middle school youth, high school graduates, college students, and various adults.  Last week was amazing!  Words cannot completely express everything from the week.  So when I get my pictures off my camera, I will be sure to share.  But there are a few things I want to share now...
* Creation is beautiful.  God created every thing we see.  In Belize, we saw the cities, the Caribbean Sea, the Cayes, the water, the animals, the plants, the countryside, the mountains, the woods, etc.  Belize is a beautiful country.  I love the outdoors.  It's so exciting to see God's work... especially different countries.
* The people in Belize are very friendly.  They speak English and live a lot like we do in the States.  Many of the people in Brazil do struggle financially, but it doesn't seem to change their outlook on life. Nor should it.  Our happiness/attitude should not be based in our material things.  Rather we should overflow with Christ's love, joy, kindness.  The Belizean people know about Jesus and God; however, not everyone has a relationship with Jesus - again, very much like the States.  We were able to meet a lot of people throughout the week.  Some for the week and others for only a moment, but each person was unique and able to teach/remind us.
* I was pushed to grow, to lead, to follow.  We are responsible for certain things and it is important that we take care of our responsibilities - whether we're serving in a foreign country or living our day to day lives.  It is such an encouragement to have others to push you, help you, and encourage you as you go through life.  I'm so thankful for the team that went as well as the people we met in Belize.
** As I said before, pictures from Belize will be coming soon (hopefully).  As I share the pictures, I also hope to share a little bit more about the trip.

This week I have been trying to catch up... on sleep, on laundry, on cleaning, on church, on school... you name it and I have probably tried to catch up a little bit.  I am very thankful that I was able to sleep in earlier this week.  My body was exhausted from the previous weeks.

Well, needless to say, I am glad to be back home... thankful for the opportunity to serve in Belize... hoping to blog more regularly this summer - among my various plans for the next month or so.

Until next time,
Be sure to relax and find rest in this craziness we call life!

Summer! [twenty-twelve]

My summer list of twenty-twelve!

- spend time with family and friends... build relationships... 
- go to nephews ball games... been to one, hoping to catch some more...
- plan, decorate, and help with VBS [Amazing Wonders Aviation]
- go on trips... several exciting trips planned... post-trip details to follow!
- work out and get in better shape... I need to start exercising... oh to not be lazy...
- swim and maybe get a tan... enjoy the summer sun!
- make a painting for guest bath... "splish, splash, taking a bath"... not sure if I'll get this one done this summer, but it's staying on my list...
- create & complete wedding photo album... I really want to accomplish this one this summer!
- plan for classes next year... I think I can put this one off until July...
- update pictures on computer, in frames, etc.
- read books (finish The Help first) 
- get the house cleaned and organized & keep it in order  :) 


I'm sure there are some things I'm forgetting... 


Some highlights from the past week... 


*  Had a great time with lots of family over the holiday weekend ~ fish fry, lasagna, smoked chicken... yum ~ grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins, parents, siblings, new nephew! 
*  Graduation for our high school seniors.  This year I had the honor of making sure our Student Council kids greeted and passed out programs.  Little did I know that this meant a lot of running around the building, waiting on kids to show up, and trying to make sure everything was covered.  Needless to say, heels were a terrible choice.  My feet were aching, blistered, and cut by the end of the night.  I will not be wearing heels next year... 
*  A nice dinner at Red Lobster with the amazing husband! 
*  A fun girls night out to Olive Garden!  Yum! 


Here's to hoping that summer will be enjoyed and not a blur!! 

Update

Here's an update on my summer list...
- spend time with family and friends... build relationships... (check :))
- go to niece & nephews ball games
- plan, decorate, and help with VBS
- go on trips (been on a few :), one more to go)
- work out and get in better shape 
(this has been put on pause, I will resume next week =D)
- swim and maybe get a tan 
(haven't been lately :( but I am a lil darker, courtesy of a burn...)
- organize the file cabinet... papers have been stacking up for months...
- make a painting for guest bath... "splish, splash, taking a bath"...
- create & complete wedding photo album
- plan for classes next year (in progress!)
- save pictures to computer/disk... create photo albums (?)
- make some new crafts and/or foods... gotta find some ideas...
(These past two weeks some of the eats I've made are a Flag Cake, Tye-Dye Cupcakes, Potato Skins, Shrimp Parmesan Pasta, homemade peach ice cream... Yum!  I'll post pics when I get them to my comp)
- read books (Radical, Crazy Love, Don't Waste Your Life, Remarkable Women of the Bible, Love and Respect, First Love, Christ Centered Life, My Utmost for His Highest, Mathematics for Every Student (started this one), Why Didn't I Learn This in College, and more may be added)


So as you can see, there is still much to do.  But you probably also realize (like I do) that I am running out of time.  But it's ok.  I'll get done what I can and I'll tackle these other items some other time.  They're not summer only items.  Well, most of them are not.  I just usually have more time in the summer.  


If you hadn't noticed yet, today is the 15th... 
which means it's time for my next memory verse and I think it is quite appropriate...


Matthew 6:34 (HCSB)
Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. 
Each day has enough trouble of its own.


Until next time,
Focus on today (each day), don't miss out on everything around you

Realizations

This summer I decided to go on one of the youth trips (like last summer).  Our youth have three main trips in the summers:  Centrifuge, PowerPlant, and World Changers.  I signed up for PowerPlant because I love serving with church plants.  Unfortunately, we didn't have very many youth sign up for PowerPlant this year.  I was needed as a chaperone for the Centrifuge trip.  To be honest, I wasn't too excited at first.  Don't get me wrong - I like Fuge, but I wanted to go to PowerPlant.  Well, we went to Fuge and it was a good week.  I had fun and learned lots.  It was trying at times but also encouraging. 

Our World Changers team left today.  I must say that I miss going to WC every year.  I have been to seven WC projects in the past ten years.  My Mom called to tell me something yesterday.  The first thing she asked was "Do you want to go to World Changers?"  I was at a loss.  I said, "What?!"  She asked me again.  I paused and thought about it.  Yes!  Wait, I have stuff to do.  I have a meeting on Tuesday that I can't get out of.  I have another meeting Thursday, not required though.  I have to run the computer. etc.  I wanted to say "Yes.  I'll go home and pack and be ready to leave in the morning."  But I couldn't.  Needless to say, it kinda bothered me.  This opportunity arose, but I couldn't/didn't take it.

[On another note... hang with me... it'll all tie together...]

Last night, some feelings overflowed out of me.  Not good feelings either.  These feelings were insecurity and selfishness.  I had been feeling insecure and selfish for a little while, but last night it was time for them to come out.  Ready or not.  My husband knew something was on my mind.  So he inquired.  My stubborn self tried to hold back, but I couldn't.  I miss getting flowers.  I miss getting stuff for me.  I'm tired of cleaning and doing laundry.  I'm not good enough.  There are fifty million things going on in my head.  etc.  And he had words to share with me... words that were true even though they were hard for me to swallow.  He reminded me of one of our devotions we read recently - about being thankful instead of complaining.  I was thankful, really.  I have been blessed far more than I deserve.  But at the same time, I was listening to "these lies" as he called them.  He also pointed something out to me - I need to focus on one thing at a time... pick one thing to start and let that be my focus until I finish it... that way I wouldn't be overwhelmed (hopefully).  

Well, all of this to say that I have come to a few realizations...

• I'm not good enough.  I never will be.  I am who God has made me.  I have to trust that He knows what's best and He will be my strength.  Sure gifts are nice, but they're not a necessity.  Sure time would be nice, but really I have it... I just need to make the most of it.  
• I do need to focus on one thing at a time.  Get one task down and then tackle something else.  I will finish as much of my summer list as possible in these last few weeks.  
• We are put in certain situations for a reason.  Enjoy the time you have, where you have it, with you have it, and learn something new.
• I am blessed!!  Great family, good friends, nice home, clothes to wear, food to eat, able to travel...
• Insecurity and selfishness may return, but I don't have to listen to them.
• We don't always know how much time we have left to live.

I love music!  It often reminds us of truths we need to hear.  Here are a few that have brightened my day... Mirror, Mirror by Barlow Girl, Beautiful by Mercy Me - another gal (http://vinson-nicole.blogspot.com/) enjoyed this song recently as well...

I hope y'all have a wonderful Saturday!

Until next time,

Live life to the fullest!

Note:  When I get my pictures uploaded from my camera to my computer, I will share with you some good eats that I made recently.  :) 

Halfway!

After this next verse, I will be halfway through the year for SSMT.  It’s hard to believe that twenty-eleven is going by so quickly.  Here’s my next verse:

Colossians 3:17 (HCSB)

And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

When we posted our verse this time, we were also asked to complete the following statement. 

Memorizing scripture has helped me…
to keep my focus on what is important and not let the “little things” bog me down.

I really needed this reflection.  I have been down a little here lately.  Of course, I think part of the problem is that I have been busy… running ragged… and it’s summer!  I have yet to understand how my time disappears.  It doesn’t feel like I waste it on insignificant things, but it also doesn’t feel like I’m being as productive/useful as I should be.  I need to make sure I keep my focus on the things that truly matter and that I am working toward those goals especially.

On a positive note, I have accomplished a few things on my summer to do list…

-     - go to niece & nephews ball games

-     - VBS

-     - work out… Insanity… enough said…

-     - swim… went three days in a row last week  

-     - started reading one of my books:  Mathematics for Every Student

-     - cook new food:  Baked Potato Soup = yum!

Until next time, 

Enjoy your summer!!

Sweet Summertime

Well, summer has begun!  Not officially... there's about 20 more days until it's official... 


Nonetheless, summer is here.  And it is a great relief.  Plus it brings excitement.  Excitement to accomplish all of my summer goals.  And today, my friends, I'm going to share with you some of the things on my list: 
- spend time with family and friends... build relationships...
- go to niece & nephews ball games
- plan, decorate, and help with VBS
- go on trips 
- work out and get in better shape
- swim and maybe get a tan 
- organize the file cabinet... papers have been stacking up for months...
- make a painting for guest bath... "splish, splash, taking a bath"...
- create & complete wedding photo album
- plan for classes next year
- save pictures to computer/disk... create photo albums (?)
- make some new crafts and/or foods... gotta find some ideas...
- read books (Radical, Crazy Love, Don't Waste Your Life, Remarkable Women of the Bible, Love and Respect, First Love, Christ Centered Life, My Utmost for His Highest, Mathematics for Every Student, Why Didn't I Learn This in College, and more may be added)


So as you can see, I do not want to be lazy and waste my summer away.  And don't worry -- I will share the results of these lovely items.  I shall relax, but I shall also be productive.  Life is too short and too sweet to waste. 


As I begin this list, I have a new verse to be memorizing...
1 Kings 3:9a (NIV)
So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. 


Until next time,
Live Your Life!!